Councillors in Gedling have voted to officially stand against the plan to create a new ‘super council’ for Nottinghamshire.

Last week, Nottinghamshire County Council voted to look into plans to abolish all district and borough councils, and the county council. A brand-new council would then be created, known as a unitary authority.

Now, the Labour-run Gedling Borough Council has made its opposition to the scheme official, after a vote was won last night (Jul 18) by 22 votes to 12.

Supporters of the scheme, including the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Conservative Councillor Kay Cutts, have said it would save money for taxpayers, and simplify council services for residents.

However critics, including the leader of Gedling Borough Council, Labour’s John Clarke, say it would take decision making away from voters, and would lead to "asset stripping" with council-owned buildings being sold off.

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Councillors at Gedling Borough Council voted in favour of a motion to make its opposition to the unitary authority plan official, but not all councillors supported the motion.

Conservative councillors, who make up the second-largest group on the council, voted against the proposals.

During a heated meeting deputy leader Michael Payne, who represents the Redhill ward for Labour, asked how Conservative councillors would be able to look members of staff in the eye, knowing they had voted to abolish their jobs.

Councillor Michael Payne, deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council

He said: “I hope you hang your heads in shame when you go and speak to your caseworkers who are helping you day to day, whose jobs you just voted to cut.

“I await to see all the Conservative candidates in May at the next election standing for a council they want to scrap.